Flexible packages with self-folding

ABSTRACT

Packages made from flexible material, wherein the packages include one or more self-folds formed by applying activation energy to the flexible material are presented. The packages include a polymeric film, wherein the polymeric film is formed from one type of polymer, and wherein the flexible material defines an enclosed product volume. The packages include a first panel formed from the flexible material and a second panel formed from the flexible material. The packages include a self-fold that has an overall thickness that is about 5% to about 30% greater than a thickness of the flexible material outside of the self-fold. The self-fold has a differential thermal-mechanical set than the flexible material outside of the self-fold, and forms an angle of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees between the first panel and the second panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/718,924, filed onDec. 18, 2019, which is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/988,021, filed onMay 24, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,549,896, which claims the benefit,under U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/511,459, filed on May 26, 2017, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to methods of flexiblepackages, and in particular to flexible packages having one or moreself-folds.

BACKGROUND

Flexible materials can be formed into flexible packages by convertingprocesses that use various combinations of cutting, folding, sealing,filling, and closing. These operations have conventionally beenperformed by mechanical machine elements, which directly contact theflexible materials. While such mechanical operations can be consistentlyreliable, they are limited in speed and flexibility, and their machineelements are prone to wear. These issues become more prominent on fasterconverting lines and for complex package designs. To mitigate theseissues, the speeds of packaging lines are often limited and manyflexible packages have simple designs that are less functional,aesthetically unappealing, and not desired by consumers.

SUMMARY

However, non-contact converting processes can transform flexiblematerials into flexible packages with greater speed and flexibility, aswell as fewer machine elements that are prone to wear. A particularnon-contact converting process is energy activated self-folding. Energyactivated self-folding can be fast and customizable, and can transformflexible materials by using energy sources applied to flexible materialswithout contact (e.g. by convection and/or radiation). Energy activatedself-folding can also enable more complex package designs that providegreater functionality and appealing aesthetics, which are desired byconsumers.

In various embodiments, a converting process may transform flexiblematerials into flexible packages by using a one or more conventionalconverting processes (which directly contact the flexible material)along with one or more non-contact converting processes. In suchembodiments, contact processes (such as mechanical folding, mechanicalsealing, and mechanical gripping) may be used where it is necessary toconstrain or hold together layers of the flexible material, whilenon-contract processes (such as self-folding) may be used to formself-folds or other shapes in parts of the flexible material that aresubstantially unconstrained. Such combinations of contact andnon-contact processes may enable optimized converting processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process for making a flexible packagewith self-folding.

FIG. 2A is a side view of energy absorbing material being locallyapplied to a flexible material.

FIG. 2B is an end view of the material of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a side view of energy absorbing material being locallyapplied to a flexible material that includes a layer of shieldingmaterial.

FIG. 3B is an end view of the material of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a side view of energy absorbing material being locallyapplied to a flexible material as well as shielding material beinglocally applied to the flexible material.

FIG. 4B is an end view of the material of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a side view of energy absorbing material being globallyapplied to a flexible material.

FIG. 5B is an end view of the material of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a side view of energy absorbing material being globallyapplied to a flexible material that includes a layer of shieldingmaterial.

FIG. 6B is an end view of the material of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a side view of energy absorbing material being globallyapplied to a flexible material as well as shielding material beinglocally applied to the flexible material.

FIG. 7B is an end view of the material of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a field of activation energy being applied toa flexible material that includes energy absorbing material, wherein theactivation energy causes self-folding.

FIG. 8B is an end view of the material of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a side view of activation energy being applied to a flexiblematerial by a plurality of emitters, wherein the activation energycauses self-folding.

FIG. 9B is an end view of the material of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a side view of activation energy being applied to a flexiblematerial in the form of a directed beam, wherein the activation energycauses self-folding.

FIG. 10B is an end view of the material of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a front view of an energy absorbing material being locallyapplied to an empty flexible package.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a front view of a flexible package with energy absorbingmaterial locally disposed on the package, and a temporary shieldinserted into the package.

FIG. 12B is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 12A, wherein thepackage is filled with product.

FIG. 13A is a front view of a flexible package with energy absorbingmaterial locally disposed on the package, and a shield material beingadded into the package.

FIG. 13B is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 13A, wherein thepackage is filled with product.

FIG. 14A is a front view of a field of activation energy being appliedto an empty flexible package with energy absorbing material locallydisposed on the package, wherein the activation energy causesself-folding.

FIG. 14B is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a front view of a plurality of emitters applying activationenergy to an empty flexible package with energy absorbing materiallocally disposed on the package.

FIG. 15B is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a front view of a directed beam applying activation energyto an empty flexible package with energy absorbing material locallydisposed on the package, wherein the activation energy causesself-folding.

FIG. 16B is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a front view of an energy absorbing material being locallyapplied to a flexible package filled with product.

FIG. 17B is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a front view of a field of activation energy being appliedto a filled flexible package with energy absorbing material locallydisposed on the package, wherein the activation energy causesself-folding.

FIG. 18B is a front view of the self-folded flexible package of FIG.18A.

FIG. 18C is a side view of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 19A is a front view of a plurality of emitters applying activationenergy to a filled flexible package with energy absorbing materiallocally disposed on the package.

FIG. 19B is a front view of the self-folded flexible package of FIG.19A.

FIG. 19C is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 19B.

FIG. 20A is a front view of a directed beam applying activation energyto a filled flexible package with energy absorbing material locallydisposed on the package, wherein the activation energy causesself-folding.

FIG. 20B is a front view of the self-folded flexible package of FIG.20A.

FIG. 20C is a side view of the flexible package of FIG. 20B.

FIG. 21A is a front view of a self-folded flexible package.

FIG. 21B is a partial cross-sectional view of the flexible package ofFIG. 21A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Packages made from flexible material can include one or more self-foldsformed by applying activation energy to the flexible material. Aflexible material configured for self-folding can have various forms,such as a film or laminate made from one or more layers of polymer (andoptionally, energy absorbing materials provided in or on the flexiblematerial). Self-folding describes the behavior of a flexible material,which responds to the application of activation energy by causing a foldto form in a defined region of the flexible material without directcontact by a shaping surface (such as a machine element); in particularself-folding behavior is fast (i.e. completely folding in seconds) andforms a distinct fold, which has a relatively small radius (i.e. on theorder of millimeters); accordingly, self-folding is distinct frommaterial behavior caused by other stimuli (e.g. mechanical), from slowmaterial behaviors (e.g. changing shape in a minute or longer), and frommaterial behavior that forms other shapes (e.g. large radius bending andcurling).

Self-folding behavior is driven by both the structure of the flexiblematerial and the activation energy that is applied to that structure;particular combinations of structure and energy create differentialthermal responses within the flexible material, which cause theself-folding. Differential thermal responses include differing rates ofthermal expansion, or differing rates of thermal contraction, or acombination of thermal expansion and thermal contraction within theflexible material, which causes a substantially flat and at leastpartially unconstrained flexible material to self-fold (e.g. like ahinge) when activation energy is applied and to then retain a foldedshape when the activation energy is removed, under ambient conditions(i.e. 20 degrees Celsius, +/−2 degrees). A self-fold resulting fromdifferential thermal responses can be identified by differentialthermal-mechanical set in the portion of the flexible material along thefold, wherein when the activation energy is applied the flexiblematerial heats up above its glass transition temperature (possibly tothe melt transition temperature), causing expansion and/or contractionin the softened/molten flexible material resulting in self-folding, andwhen the activation energy is removed the flexible material cools downto ambient temperature, with the self-folded portion of the flexiblematerial retaining a folded shape and having increased thickness and/orreduced prestrain (e.g. polymers arranged with less potential tocontract) along the self-fold. Thus, the differential thermal-mechanicalset in the portion of the flexible material along the self-fold can beascertained by an increased thickness and/or reduced prestrain whencompared with portions of the flexible material outside of theself-fold.

The differential thermal-mechanical set in a portion of a flexiblematerial along a self-fold can result in the flexible material having anoverall thickness in the portion that is 5-30% thicker than the overallthickness of the flexible material in portions outside of the self-fold;in various embodiments, the differential thermal set can have an overallthickness that is increased by 5-30%, or by any integer value forpercentage between 5 and 30%, or by any range formed by any of thesevalues, such as 5-25%, 5-20%, 5-15%, 5-10%, 10-30%, 15-30%, 20-30%,25-30%, 10-25%, 15-20%, etc.

The differential thermal-mechanical set in a portion of a flexiblematerial along a self-fold can result in the flexible material having adegree of prestrain in the portion that is reduced when compared withthe degree of prestrain in the portions outside of the self-fold; invarious embodiments, the differential thermal set can have a prestrainthat is reduced by 30-100%, or by any integer value for percentagebetween 30 and 100%, or by any range formed by any of these values, suchas 40-100%, 50-100%, 60-100%, 70-100%, 80-100%, 90-100%, 30-90%, 30-80%,30-70%, 30-60%, 30-50%, 30-40%, 40-90%, 50-80%, 60-70%, etc.

In various embodiments, self-folding can be driven by a local differencein structure (e.g. chemistry or microstructure) activated by globallyapplied energy, a global difference in structure activated by locallyapplied energy, by a local difference in structure activated by locallyapplied energy, or by any combination of these.

The structure of a flexible material can have varying degrees ofresponse to activation energy; a structure that tends to absorb anactivation energy is termed susceptible to that energy, while astructure that does not tend to an absorb activation energy is termedtransparent to that energy. A flexible material can include one or moreparts, layers, or materials that are more susceptible to activationenergy (i.e. having a relatively greater degree of energy absorption) aswell as one or more parts, layers, or materials that are moretransparent to activation energy (i.e. having a relatively lesser degreeof energy absorption).

Susceptibility and transparency are material properties that can beselected and/or modified, to configure a flexible material forself-folding. A flexible material structure can be substantiallytransparent to activation energy by its chemical properties, in that thematerial may inherently absorb little energy applied at particularfrequencies and/or wavelengths. Conversely, a flexible materialstructure can be substantially susceptible to activation energy by itschemical properties, in that the material may inherently absorbsignificant amounts of energy applied at particular frequencies and/orwavelengths.

As an example, polyethylene (PE) is substantially transparent to certainfrequencies of laser energy while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) isquite susceptible to those frequencies; so, for a laminate made from alayer of polyethylene joined to a layer of polyethylene terephthalate,when activation energy (e.g. in the form of a laser) is applied to thelaminate at those frequencies, much of that energy is absorbed by thepolyethylene terephthalate while little of that energy is absorbed bythe polyethylene; as the layers absorb differing amounts of energy, thelayers also produce different thermal responses within the flexiblematerial, which cause self-folding in the area heated by the laserenergy.

The susceptibility of a formed material can be increased by mixingenergy absorbing materials (e.g. susceptors) as additives into thechemistry forming that material. Further, activation energy can beselectively applied to a portion of a flexible material by disposingenergy absorbing material in proximity to that portion. And lastly,activation energy can be selectively excluded from one or more portionsof a flexible material (by itself or formed into a flexible package) byblocking the energy with a shield or shielding material that issubstantially impervious to the activation energy, wherein the shieldingmaterial is disposed between the source of the energy and the portion(s)being shielded. Activation energy for self-folding can be applied invarious forms provided by various sources. Forms of activation energycan include light, heat, lasers, microwaves, etc. Sources for these caninclude one or more emitters arranged to provide a three-dimensionalfield, a two-dimensional field (from a linear array of emitters), adirected beam, or other forms of activation energy.

A suitable range of activation energy can be chosen from theelectromagnetic spectrum based on the chemistry of the flexible materialand/or any energy absorbing materials used in/on the flexible material.In various embodiments disclosed herein, laser activation energy canhave wavelengths of 150 nanometers to 1 millimeter, or any wavelengthswithin this range, including ultraviolet (wavelengths of 150-400nanometers), visible light (wavelengths of 400-750 nanometers),near-infrared (wavelengths of 0.75-3 micrometers), mid-infrared (3-30micrometers), and far-infrared (30 micrometers-1 millimeter). In variousembodiments disclosed herein, microwave activation energy can havewavelengths of 1 millimeter to 1 meter (or any wavelength within thisrange).

For laser wavelengths of about 9-11 microns, polyamides (such as Nylon),polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), and polyethylene terephthalates (PETs) (intheir raw forms, without additives) inherently absorb such wavelengthsand are thus considered susceptible to that activation energy, whilepolyethylenes (such as LDPE and LLDPE) (in their raw forms, withoutadditives) do not inherently absorb such wavelengths, and are thusconsidered substantially transparent to that activation energy. Someexamples of energy absorbing materials, which can be used as susceptibleadditives for making polymeric films/laminates and/or for disposing onflexible materials include: “natural silicates . . . , silica, calciumcarbonate, barium sulphate, aluminum hydrate, and metallichydroxysulphates . . . boron-oxygen compounds . . . boric acid, alkalineand alkaline earth borates, aluminum borate, zinc borate, and andhydrousborax” as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,381 (col. 1, lines 42-44;col. 3, lines 1-3) to Tapia, et al. entitled “Polymeric CoveringMaterials for Growing Plants or Crops.” Other chemistries can also actas energy absorbing materials, such as: “fillers, colourants, releaseagents, UV retardants, flame retardants, etc.” as disclosed on page 1622of the Handbook of Laser Technology an Applications; Volume IIIApplications, by Colin Webb and Julian Jones (Institute of PhysicsPublishing, 2004). Films and/or laminates that are laser susceptibleand/or that include energy absorbing materials can also be obtained fromvarious film suppliers, such as Mondi Gronau GmbH, of Gronau, Germany.It is contemplated that the self-folding described herein can beaccomplished using any combination of structure and activation energyknown in the art, including those disclosed in “Self-folding of polymersheets using microwaves and graphene ink” by Duncan Davis, RussellMailen, Jan Genzer, and Michael D. Dickey, published in the RoyalSociety of Chemistry, 2015.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process 100 for making a flexiblepackage with self-folding. The process 100 includes: step 110, providingone or more flexible materials, each of which can be any flexiblematerial described herein, including any alternative embodiments; step120, providing energy absorbing material, which can be provided to theflexible material in any way described in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 2A-7C (including any alternative embodiments), orcan be provided to an at least partially formed, empty flexible packagein any way described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS.11A-11B, or can be provided to an at least partially formed, filledflexible package in any way described in connection with the embodimentsof FIGS. 17A-17B (or, step 120 can optionally can be omitted); step 130,providing shielding, which can be providing a layer of shieldingmaterial globally disposed in any way described in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C and 6A-6C (including any alternativeembodiments), and/or which can be providing a layer of shieldingmaterial locally disposed in any way described in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 4A-4C and 7A-7C (including any alternativeembodiments), and/or which can be providing a temporary shield in anyway described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 12A-12C(including any alternative embodiments), and/or can be providingshielding material in any way described in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 13A-13C (including any alternative embodiments)(or, step 130 can optionally can be omitted); step 140, forming apackage, which can accomplished manually or by using any package formingprocesses and equipment known in the art; step 150, filling the formedpackage with one or more products, which can be accomplished manually orby using any package filling processes and equipment known in the art,to fill a flexible package with one or more of any kind of product (suchas consumer products); step 160, closing the filled package, which canbe accomplished manually or by using any package closing processes andequipment known in the art, to close a flexible package filled with oneor more of any kind of product; step 170, loading the closed package(into a parent container, such as a cardboard case or a shippingcontainer), which can be accomplished manually or by using any packageloading processes and equipment known in the art, to load a flexiblepackage; and step 190, providing a formed, filled, closed, and loadedand flexible package (i.e. a packaged product), wherein the flexiblematerial of the flexible package includes one or more self-folds,according to any embodiment disclosed herein. The process 100 alsoincludes step 180, applying activation energy, which causesself-folding, which can be accomplished in various ways and at variouspoints in the process 100, including: applying activation energy to aflexible material, in any way described in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 8A-10B (including any alternative embodiments);and/or applying activation energy to an empty flexible package, in anyway described in connection the embodiments of FIGS. 14A-16B (includingany alternative embodiments); and/or applying activation energy to afilled flexible package, in any way described in connection with theembodiments of FIGS. 18A-20C; wherein the activation energy can, invarious embodiments, be applied: at time 111, during step 110; at time112, which is after step 110 but before step 120; at time 121, duringstep 120; at time 122, which is after step 120 but before step 130; attime 131, during step 130; at time 132, which is after step 130 butbefore step 140; at time 141, during step 140; at time 142, which isafter step 140 but before step 150; at time 151, during step 150; attime 152, which is after step 150 but before step 160; at time 161,during step 160; at time 162, which is after step 160 but before step170; at time 171, during step 150; at time 172, which is after step 170;or any combination of any of these. In various alternative embodiments:part, parts, or all of one or more of the steps within the process 100can be performed in various orders, at separate times, at overlappingtimes, or at the same time, in any workable way; part, parts, or all ofone or more of the steps within the process 100 can be can be performedas a continuous process, or as intermittent processes, or as acombination of continuous and intermittent processes; part, parts, orall of one or more of the steps within the process 100 can be can beperformed in multiple steps; part, parts, or all of one or more of thesteps within the process 100 can be omitted; part, parts, or all of oneor more of the steps within the process 100 can be modified according toany processes known in the art; and additional and/or alternative stepsknown in the arts of making, printing on, and applying activation energyto flexible materials and packages, can be added to the process 100.

FIGS. 2A-10B describe and illustrate various embodiments of flexiblematerials configured to be formed into flexible packages, wherein atleast portions of the flexible materials include energy absorbingmaterial and (optionally) shielding material. In these embodiments, theflexible materials are described and illustrated as continuous webs,however this is not required and the flexible materials can take anyconvenient form described herein or known in the art; any of theseflexible materials can be configured to be formed into flexible packages(e.g. printed with one or more graphics) in any way described herein orknown in the art. In these embodiments, the energy absorbing materialhas a greater degree of energy absorption (for a particular activationenergy) when compared to the flexible material and the energy absorbingmaterial is configured to at least contribute to self-folding when theactivation energy is subsequently applied, and can take any formdescribed herein or known in the art; while the energy absorbingmaterial is described and illustrated as disposed on particular portionsof the flexible materials, these particular portions are exemplary andnon-limiting; energy absorbing material can be disposed in anyparticular line(s), pattern(s), and/or other arrangement, of any size,shape, and number to cause the desired inward or outward self-foldingbehavior on either or both sides of a flexible material. Also, in theseembodiments, while energy absorbing materials are described as beingprinted onto flexible materials, such materials can be locally and/orglobally disposed on flexible materials using any deposition methodknown in the art. Further, in these embodiments, the shielding materialis configured to at least assist in preventing such activation energyfrom passing through, and can take any form described herein or known inthe art. For any of the flexible materials of FIGS. 2A-10B, activationenergy can be subsequently applied in any way described herein or knownin the art.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a continuous web of flexible material 210configured to be formed into flexible packages, wherein the flexiblematerial 210 comprises a film 210-f and includes an unprinted portion210-u as well as a printed portion 210-p (and since the flexiblematerial 210 does not include a layer of shielding material, theflexible material 210 is considered to be unshielded), wherein theflexible material 210 moves 210-m (using web handling equipment, notshown) proximate to a printer 220-e, which prints energy absorbingmaterial 220 (shown as phantom lines) onto portions of one (near) sideof the film 210-f, such that the energy absorbing material 220 islocally disposed on the one side of the flexible material 210 in theprinted portion 210-p, wherein the portions with the energy absorbingmaterial 220 are configured to at least contribute to self-folding whenactivation energy is subsequently applied (as described herein). FIG. 2Bis an end view of the flexible material 210 of FIG. 2A, which shows thatthe flexible material 210 is substantially flat and unfolded. FIG. 2C isan enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of part of the printedportion 210-p of FIG. 2A. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2C,energy absorbing material may additionally or alternatively be locallyand/or globally disposed on both sides of the flexible material, and/orbetween layers of the flexible material, and/or within one or morelayers of the flexible material (e.g. as an additive), in any workablecombination.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a continuous web of flexible material 310configured to be formed into flexible packages, wherein the flexiblematerial 310 comprises a film 310-f and a layer 330-gs of shieldingmaterial on one (far) side and includes an unprinted portion 310-u aswell as a printed portion 310-p, wherein the flexible material 310 moves310-m (using web handling equipment, not shown) proximate to a printer320-e, which prints energy absorbing material 320 (shown as phantomlines) onto portions of the other (near) side of the film 310-f, suchthat the energy absorbing material 320 is locally disposed on the otherside of the flexible material 310 (opposite from the side with the layer330-gs of shielding material) in the printed portion 310-p, wherein theportions with the energy absorbing material 320 are configured to atleast contribute to self-folding when activation energy is subsequentlyapplied (as described herein), and the layer 330-gs of shieldingmaterial is configured to at least assist in preventing such activationenergy from passing through. FIG. 3B is an end view of the flexiblematerial 310 of FIG. 3A, which shows that the flexible material 310 issubstantially flat and unfolded. FIG. 3C is an enlarged, partial,cross-sectional view of part of the printed portion 310-p of FIG. 3A. Inalternative embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C, energy absorbing material mayadditionally or alternatively be locally and/or globally disposed onboth sides of the film, and/or between layers of the flexible material,and/or within one or more layers of the flexible material (e.g. as anadditive), in any workable combination; and/or shielding material mayadditionally or alternatively be locally and/or globally disposedbetween layers of the flexible material, and/or within one or morelayers of the flexible material, in any workable combination.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a continuous web of flexible material 410configured to be formed into flexible packages, wherein the flexiblematerial 410 comprises a film 410-f and includes an unprinted portion410-u, a printed portion 410-p, and a shielded portion 410-s, whereinthe flexible material 410 moves 410-m (using web handling equipment, notshown) proximate to a printer 420-e, which prints energy absorbingmaterial 420 (shown as phantom lines) onto portions of one side of thefilm 410-f, such that the energy absorbing material 420 is locallydisposed on the one (near) side of the flexible material 410 in theprinted portion 410-p, and the flexible material 410 moves 410-mproximate to a printer 430-e, which prints shielding material 430-ls(shown with hidden lines) onto portions of the other (far) side of thefilm 410-f, such that shielding material 430-ls is locally disposed onthe other side of the flexible material 410 (opposite from the side withthe energy absorbing material 420) in the shielded portion 410-s, andsuch that the shielding material 430-ls covers at least the sameportions of the film 410-f on which the energy absorbing material 420 isdisposed, wherein the portions with the energy absorbing material 420are configured to at least contribute to self-folding when activationenergy is subsequently applied (as described herein), and the portionswith the shielding material 430-ls are configured to at least assist inpreventing such activation energy from passing through. FIG. 4B is anend view of the flexible material 410 of FIG. 4A, which shows that theflexible material 410 is substantially flat and unfolded. FIG. 4C is anenlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of part of the printed portion410-p of FIG. 4A. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4C, energyabsorbing material may additionally or alternatively be locally and/orglobally disposed on both sides of the film, and/or between layers ofthe flexible material, and/or within one or more layers of the flexiblematerial (e.g. as an additive), in any workable combination; and/orshielding material may additionally or alternatively be locally and/orglobally disposed between layers of the flexible material, and/or withinone or more layers of the flexible material, in any workablecombination.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a continuous web of unshielded flexiblematerial 510 configured to be formed into flexible packages, wherein theflexible material 510 comprises a film 510-f and includes an unprintedportion 510-u as well as a printed portion 510-p (and since the flexiblematerial 510 does not include a layer of shielding material, theflexible material 510 is considered to be unshielded), wherein theflexible material 510 moves 510-m (using web handling equipment, notshown) proximate to a printer 520-e, which prints energy absorbingmaterial 520 onto portions of one side of the film 510-f, such that theenergy absorbing material 520 is disposed all over the one (near) sideof the flexible material 510 in the printed portion 510-p. FIG. 5B is anend view of the flexible material 510 of FIG. 5A, which shows that theflexible material 510 is substantially flat and unfolded, wherein theenergy absorbing material 520 is configured to at least contribute toself-folding when activation energy is subsequently applied (asdescribed herein). FIG. 5C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional viewof part of the printed portion 510-p of FIG. 5A. In alternativeembodiments of FIGS. 5A-5C, energy absorbing material may additionallyor alternatively be locally and/or globally disposed on both sides ofthe flexible material, and/or between layers of the flexible material,and/or within one or more layers of the flexible material (e.g. as anadditive), in any workable combination.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a continuous web of shielded flexible material610 configured to be formed into flexible packages, wherein the flexiblematerial 610 comprises a film 610-f and a layer 630-gs of shieldingmaterial on one (far) side within a shielded portion 610-s, and includesan unprinted portion 610-u as well as a printed portion 610-p, whereinthe flexible material 610 moves 610-m (using web handling equipment, notshown) proximate to a printer 620-e, which prints energy absorbingmaterial 620 onto the other (near) side of the film 610-f, such that theenergy absorbing material 620 is disposed all over the other side of theflexible material 610 (opposite from the side with the layer 630-gs ofshielding material) in the printed portion 610-p, wherein the energyabsorbing material 620 is configured to at least contribute toself-folding when activation energy is subsequently applied (asdescribed herein), and the layer 630-gs of shielding material isconfigured to at least assist in preventing such activation energy frompassing through. FIG. 6B is an end view of the flexible material 610 ofFIG. 6A, which shows that the flexible material 610 is substantiallyflat and unfolded. FIG. 6C is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional viewof part of the printed portion 610-p of FIG. 6A. In alternativeembodiments of FIGS. 6A-6C, energy absorbing material may additionallyor alternatively be locally and/or globally disposed on both sides ofthe film, and/or between layers of the flexible material, and/or withinone or more layers of the flexible material (e.g. as an additive), inany workable combination; and/or shielding material may additionally oralternatively be locally and/or globally disposed between layers of theflexible material, and/or within one or more layers of the flexiblematerial, in any workable combination.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a continuous web of flexible material 710configured to be formed into flexible packages, wherein the flexiblematerial 710 comprises a film 710-f and includes an unprinted portion710-u, a printed portion 710-p, and a shielded portion 710-s, whereinthe flexible material 710 moves 710-m (using web handling equipment, notshown) proximate to a printer 720-e, which prints energy absorbingmaterial 720 onto one (near) side of the film 710-f, such that theenergy absorbing material 720 is disposed all over the one side of theflexible material 710 in the printed portion 710-p, and the flexiblematerial 710 moves 710-m proximate to a printer 730-e, which printsshielding material 730-ls (shown with hidden lines) onto portions of theother (far) side of the film 710-f, such that the shielding material730-ls is locally disposed on the other side of the flexible material(opposite from the side with the energy absorbing material 720) in theshielded portion 710-s, and such that the shielding material 730-lscovers at least the portions of the film 710-f to which activationenergy (e.g. a directed beam) will be applied, wherein the energyabsorbing material 720 is configured to at least contribute toself-folding when activation energy is subsequently applied (asdescribed herein), and the portions with the shielding material 730-lsare configured to at least assist in preventing such activation energyfrom passing through. FIG. 7B is an end view of the flexible material710 of FIG. 7A, which shows that the flexible material 710 issubstantially flat and unfolded. FIG. 7C is an enlarged, partial,cross-sectional view of part of the printed portion 710-p of FIG. 7A. Inalternative embodiments of FIGS. 7A-7C, energy absorbing material mayadditionally or alternatively be locally and/or globally disposed onboth sides of the film, and/or between layers of the flexible material,and/or within one or more layers of the flexible material (e.g. as anadditive), in any workable combination; and/or shielding material mayadditionally or alternatively be locally and/or globally disposedbetween layers of the flexible material, and/or within one or morelayers of the flexible material, in any workable combination.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a continuous web of flexible material 810,which can be the printed portion 210-p of the flexible material 210 fromFIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion 310-p of the flexible material 320 fromFIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion 410-p of the flexible material 420 fromFIGS. 4A-4C, or any alternative embodiment of any of these; the flexiblematerial 810 has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 820(shown as phantom lines) and is configured to be formed into flexiblepackages, wherein the flexible material 810 includes a printed butunactivated portion 810-p and an activated portion 810-a, wherein theflexible material 810 moves 810-m proximate to an energy source 860-e,which applies a field 861 of activation energy to the flexible material810, such that at least portions of the flexible material 810 absorb theactivation energy, are heated by that energy, and by differentialthermal behavior (e.g. expansion and/or contraction) self-fold to formfolds 866, which are self-folds, along the portions disposed with theenergy absorbing material 820; however, in various embodiments, theself-folding may form part, parts, or about all, or approximately all,or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of some or all of the folds866. FIG. 8B is an end view of the flexible material 810 of FIG. 8A,which shows that portions of the flexible material 810 remain flat whilethe folds 866 and the portions of the flexible material 810 adjacent tothe folds 866 protrude outward. In alternative embodiments of FIGS.8A-8B, one or more energy sources of any suitable kind can be disposedon either or both sides of the flexible material, at any convenientdistance and/or orientation, to transmit activation energy to theflexible material.

FIG. 9A is a side view of a continuous web of flexible material 910,which can be the printed portion 210-p of the flexible material 210 fromFIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion 310-p of the flexible material 320 fromFIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion 410-p of the flexible material 420 fromFIGS. 4A-4C, or any alternative embodiment of any of these; the flexiblematerial 910 has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 920(shown as phantom lines) and is configured to be formed into flexiblepackages, wherein the flexible material 910 includes a printed butunactivated portion 910-p and an activated portion 910-a, wherein theflexible material 910 moves 910-m proximate to an energy source 960-e,in the form of a plurality of emitters which together apply a field 962of activation energy to the flexible material 910, such that at leastportions of the flexible material 910 absorb the activation energy, areheated by that energy, and by differential thermal behavior (e.g.expansion and/or contraction) self-fold to form folds 966, which areself-folds, along the portions disposed with the energy absorbingmaterial 920; however, in various embodiments, the self-folding may formpart, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all,or nearly all, or all of some or all of the folds 966. FIG. 9B is an endview of the flexible material 910 of FIG. 9A, which shows that portionsof the flexible material 910 remain flat while the folds 966 and theportions of the flexible material 910 adjacent to the folds 966 protrudeoutward. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B, one or more energysources of any suitable kind can be disposed on either or both sides ofthe flexible material, at any convenient distance and/or orientation, totransmit activation energy to the flexible material.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a continuous web of flexible material 1010,which can be the printed portion 210-p of the flexible material 210 fromFIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion 310-p of the flexible material 310 fromFIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion 410-p of the flexible material 410 fromFIGS. 4A-4C, or any alternative embodiment of any of these; the flexiblematerial 1010 has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 1020(shown as phantom lines) and is configured to be formed into flexiblepackages, wherein the flexible material 1010 includes a printed butunactivated portion 1010-p and an activated portion 1010-a, wherein theflexible material 1010 moves 1010-m proximate to an energy source1060-e, in the form of an emitter which applies a moving 1063-m beam1063 of directed activation energy to selected portions of the flexiblematerial 1010, wherein the selected portions include the portionsdisposed with the energy absorbing material 1020, such that at leastportions of the flexible material 1010 absorb the activation energy, areheated by that energy, and by differential thermal behavior (e.g.expansion and/or contraction) self-fold to form folds 1066, which areself-folds, along the portions disposed with the energy absorbingmaterial 1020; however, in various embodiments, the self-folding mayform part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantiallyall, or nearly all, or all of some or all of the folds 1066. FIG. 10B isan end view of the flexible material 1010 of FIG. 10A, which shows thatportions of the flexible material 1010 remain flat while the folds 1066and the portions of the flexible material 1010 adjacent to the folds1066 protrude outward. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 10A-10C, theflexible material 1010 may instead be the printed portion 510-p offlexible material 510 from FIGS. 5A-5C, the printed portion 610-p offlexible material 620 from FIGS. 6A-6C, the printed portion 710-p offlexible material 720 from FIGS. 7A-7C, or any alternative embodiment ofany of these, wherein the emitter 1060-e applies the moving 1063-m beam1063 of directed activation energy to selected portions of the flexiblematerial 1010, which has energy absorbing material disposed all over oneside of the flexible material, but only the portions activated by thebeam 1063 self-fold to form folds 1066 in the flexible material 1010;however, in various embodiments, such self-folding may form part, parts,or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all,or all of some or all of the folds 1066.

FIGS. 11A-21A describe and illustrate various embodiments of flexiblepackages formed of flexible materials, wherein the flexible materialsinclude energy absorbing material and (optionally) shielding material.In these embodiments, the flexible materials are described andillustrated as stand-up pouches having bottom folds (e.g. gussets), sideseals, and top closures, however this form and these features are notrequired and the flexible packages can take any convenient formdescribed herein or known in the art; any of these flexible packages canbe formed into flexible packages in any way described herein or known inthe art. In these embodiments, the energy absorbing material isconfigured to at least contribute to self-folding when activation energyis subsequently applied, and can take any form described herein or knownin the art; while the energy absorbing material is described andillustrated as disposed on particular portions of the flexiblematerials, these particular portions are exemplary and non-limiting;energy absorbing material can be disposed in any particular line(s),pattern(s), and/or other arrangement, of any size, shape, and number tocause the desired self-folding behavior. Also, in these embodiments,while energy absorbing materials are described as being printed ontoflexible materials, such materials can be locally and/or globallydisposed on flexible materials using any deposition method known in theart. Further, in these embodiments, the shield and/or shielding materialis configured to at least assist in preventing such activation energyfrom passing through, and can take any form described herein or known inthe art. For any of the flexible packages of FIGS. 11A-21A, activationenergy can be subsequently applied in any way described herein or knownin the art.

FIG. 11A is a front view of an at least partially formed, empty flexiblepackage 1107-e, made of a flexible material that comprises a film 1110-fand includes an unprinted portion 1107-u as well as a printed portion1107-p and also comprises a bottom fold 1108 made by a contact process(such as mechanical folding), two side seals 1109 made by a contactprocess (such as mechanical sealing), and a top closure 1106, whereinthe flexible package 1107-e moves 1107-m (using package handlingequipment, not shown) proximate to a printer 1120-e, which prints energyabsorbing material 1120 (shown as phantom lines) onto outer portions ofthe film 1110-f, such that the energy absorbing material 1120 is locallydisposed on the front of the flexible package 1107-e in the printedportion 1107-p, wherein the portions with the energy absorbing material1120 are configured to at least contribute to self-folding whenactivation energy is subsequently applied (as described herein). FIG.11B is a side view of the flexible package 1107-e of FIG. 11A, whichshows that the flexible material is substantially flat and unfolded. Inalternative embodiments of FIGS. 11A-11B, energy absorbing material mayadditionally or alternatively be locally and/or globally disposed onboth inner and outer portions of the flexible material, and/or betweenlayers of the flexible material, and/or within one or more layers of theflexible material (e.g. as an additive), and/or on both the front andthe back of the flexible package, in any workable combination. In otheralternative embodiments of FIGS. 11A-11B, the flexible package may notinclude (separately added) energy absorbing material, but may beotherwise configured (e.g. with adjacent layers of material havingdiffering degrees of energy absorption) to self fold when activationenergy is applied, as described herein.

FIG. 12A is a front view of an at least partially formed, empty flexiblepackage 1207-e, which can be the flexible package 1107-e (configuredaccording to the printed portion 1107-p) from FIGS. 11A-11B (withlike-numbered elements configured in the same way), or any otherflexible package described herein, or any alternative embodiment of anyof these; the flexible package 1207-e has an open top, into which ashielding plate 1235 is temporarily inserted (by a mechanical apparatus,not shown); the shielding plate 1235 is a thin, substantially rigid,flat plate that is configured with material (e.g. metal), dimensions(e.g. height and width appropriate for the package and its product(s)),and location (e.g. inserted position) such that, when the flexiblepackage 1207-e is filled with one or more products and activation energyis applied to the filled package, the temporary shielding plate at leastpartially (or even completely) shields the one or more products from theactivation energy, by blocking the energy with its intermediate presencebetween the product(s) and the source(s) of the activation energy; afterthe activation energy is applied, the shielding plate 1235 can bewithdrawn (by the mechanical apparatus) so the flexible package 1207-ecan be closed. FIG. 12B is a side view of the flexible package 1207-e ofFIG. 12A, which shows that the flexible material of the package isunfolded. FIG. 12C is a side view of the flexible package 1207-f, whichis the flexible package 1207-e of FIG. 12A subsequently filled with aplurality of products 1255, which are disposed behind the shieldingplate 1235, in a back portion of the flexible package 1207-f, such thatthe products 1255 are shielded by the shielding plate 1235 fromactivation energy applied to the front of the flexible package 1207-f.In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 12A-12C, the shielding plate can bereplaced with any number of any kind of temporary shields, having anyworkable size and shape, and/or a temporary shield can be inserted intoa flexible package through another opening, and/or a temporary shieldcan be inserted into a flexible package during or after the filling ofsome or all the product(s) into the package.

FIG. 13A is a front view of an at least partially formed, empty flexiblepackage 1307-e, which can be the flexible package 1107-e (configuredaccording to the printed portion 1107-p) from FIGS. 11A-11B (withlike-numbered elements configured in the same way), or any otherflexible package described herein, or any alternative embodiment of anyof these; the flexible package 1307-e has an open top, into which ashielding material 1336 is inserted by a mechanical apparatus 1338; theshielding material 1336 is a thin, flexible sheet that is configuredwith material (e.g. metallization), dimensions (e.g. height and widthappropriate for the package and its product(s)), and location (e.g.inserted position) such that, when the flexible package 1307-e is filledwith one or more products and activation energy is applied to the filledpackage, the shielding material at least partially (or even completely)shields the one or more products from the activation energy, by blockingthe energy with its intermediate presence between the product(s) and thesource(s) of the activation energy; after the activation energy isapplied, the shielding material can be closed within the flexiblepackage (or can be optionally withdrawn). FIG. 13B is a side view of theflexible package 1307-e of FIG. 13A, which shows that the flexiblematerial of the package is unfolded. FIG. 13C is an side view offlexible package 1307-f, which is the flexible package 1307-e of FIG.13A subsequently filled with a plurality of products 1355, which aredisposed behind the shielding material 1336, in a back portion of theflexible package 1307-f, such that the products 1255 are shielded by theshielding plate 1235 from activation energy applied to the front of theflexible package 1207-f. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 13A-13C,the shielding material can be replaced with any number of any kind ofshielding materials, having any workable size and shape, and/or ashielding material can be inserted into a flexible package throughanother opening, and/or a shielding material can be inserted into aflexible package during or after the filling of some or all of theproduct(s) into the package, and/or a shielding material can be used toform a pouch that holds the product(s) while the pouch is inserted intothe flexible package.

FIG. 14A is a front view of an at least partially formed, empty flexiblepackage 1407-e, which can be made from the printed portion 210-p of theflexible material 210 from FIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion 310-p of theflexible material 320 from FIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion 410-p of theflexible material 420 from FIGS. 4A-4C, or which can be the flexiblepackage 1107-e (configured according to the printed portion 1107-p) fromFIGS. 11A-11B, the flexible package 1207-e from FIGS. 12A-12B (includinga temporarily inserted shield, not shown), the flexible package 1307-efrom FIGS. 13A-13B (including an inserted shielding material, notshown), or any other flexible package described herein, or anyalternative embodiment of any of these, wherein the unfilled flexiblepackage 1407-e is made of a flexible material that comprises a film1410-f and has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 1420(shown as phantom lines), a printed but unactivated portion 1407-p, andan activated portion 1407-a and also comprises a bottom fold 1408 madeby a contact process (such as mechanical folding), two side seals 1409made by a contact process (such as mechanical sealing), and a topclosure 1406, wherein the flexible package 1407-e moves 1407-m (usingpackage handling equipment, not shown) proximate to an energy source1460-e, which applies a field 1461 of activation energy to the flexiblepackage 1407-e, such that at least portions of the flexible material1410-f absorb the activation energy, are heated by that energy, and bydifferential thermal behavior (e.g. expansion and/or contraction)self-fold to form folds 1466, which are self-folds, along the portionsdisposed with the energy absorbing material 1420; however, in variousembodiments, the self-folding may form part, parts, or about all, orapproximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of someor all of the folds 1466. FIG. 14B is a side view of the unfilledflexible package 1407-e of FIG. 14A, which shows that portions of theflexible material 1410-f remain flat while the folds 1466 and theportions of the flexible material 1410-f adjacent to the folds 1466protrude outward. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 14A-14B, one ormore energy sources of any suitable kind can be disposed on either orboth sides of the flexible package, at any convenient distance and/ororientation, to transmit activation energy to the flexible material(s).

FIG. 15A is a front view of an at least partially formed, empty flexiblepackage 1507-e, which can be made from the printed portion 210-p of theflexible material 210 from FIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion 310-p of theflexible material 320 from FIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion 410-p of theflexible material 420 from FIGS. 4A-4C, or which can be the flexiblepackage 1107-e (configured according to the printed portion 1107-p) fromFIGS. 11A-11B, the flexible package 1207-e from FIGS. 12A-12B (includinga temporarily inserted shield, not shown), the flexible package 1307-efrom FIGS. 13A-13B (including an inserted shielding material, notshown), or any other flexible package described herein, or anyalternative embodiment of any of these, wherein the unfilled flexiblepackage 1507-e is made of a flexible material that comprises a film1510-f and has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 1520(shown as phantom lines), a printed but unactivated portion 1507-p, andan activated portion 1507-a and also comprises a bottom fold 1508 madeby a contact process (such as mechanical folding), two side seals 1509made by a contact process (such as mechanical sealing), and a topclosure 1506, wherein the flexible package 1507-e moves 1507-m (usingpackage handling equipment, not shown) proximate to an energy source1560-e, in the form of a plurality of emitters which together apply afield 1561 of activation energy to the flexible package 1507-e, suchthat at least portions of the flexible material 1510-f absorb theactivation energy, are heated by that energy, and by differentialthermal behavior (e.g. expansion and/or contraction) self-fold to formfolds 1566, which are self-folds, along the portions disposed with theenergy absorbing material 1520; however, in various embodiments, theself-folding may form part, parts, or about all, or approximately all,or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of some or all of the folds1566. FIG. 15B is a side view of the unfilled flexible package 1507-e ofFIG. 15A, which shows that portions of the flexible material 1510-fremain flat while the folds 1566 and the portions of the flexiblematerial 150-f adjacent to the folds 1566 protrude outward. Inalternative embodiments of FIGS. 15A-15B, one or more energy sources ofany suitable kind can be disposed on either or both sides of theflexible package, at any convenient distance and/or orientation, totransmit activation energy to the flexible material(s).

FIG. 16A is a front view of an at least partially formed, empty flexiblepackage 1607-e, which can be made from the printed portion 210-p of theflexible material 210 from FIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion 310-p of theflexible material 310 from FIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion 410-p of theflexible material 410 from FIGS. 4A-4C, or which can be the flexiblepackage 1107-e (configured according to the printed portion 1107-p) fromFIGS. 11A-11B, the flexible package 1207-e from FIGS. 12A-12B (includinga temporarily inserted shield, not shown), the flexible package 1307-efrom FIGS. 13A-13B (including an inserted shielding material, notshown), or any other flexible package described herein, or anyalternative embodiment of any of these, wherein the unfilled flexiblepackage 1607-e is made of a flexible material that comprises a film1610-f and has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 1620(shown as phantom lines), a printed but unactivated portion 1607-p, andan activated portion 1607-a and also comprises a bottom fold 1608 madeby a contact process (such as mechanical folding), two side seals 1609made by a contact process (such as mechanical sealing), and a topclosure 1606, wherein the flexible package 1607-e moves 1607-m (usingpackage handling equipment, not shown) proximate to an energy source1660-e, in the form of an emitter which applies a moving 1663-m beam1663 of directed activation energy to selected portions of the flexiblematerial 1610-f, such that at least portions of the flexible material1610-f absorb the activation energy, are heated by that energy, and bydifferential thermal behavior (e.g. expansion and/or contraction)self-fold to form folds 1666, which are self-folds, along the portionsdisposed with the energy absorbing material 1620; however, in variousembodiments, the self-folding may form part, parts, or about all, orapproximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of someor all of the folds 1666. FIG. 16B is a side view of the unfilledflexible package 1607-e of FIG. 16A, which shows that portions of theflexible material 1610-f remain flat while the folds 1666 and theportions of the flexible material 1610-f adjacent to the folds 1666protrude outward. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 16A-16B, one ormore energy sources of any suitable kind can be disposed on either orboth sides of the flexible package, at any convenient distance and/ororientation, to transmit a beam of directed activation energy to theflexible material(s). In other alternative embodiments of FIGS. 16A-16B,the flexible material 1610-f may instead be the printed portion 510-p offlexible material 510 from FIGS. 5A-5C, the printed portion 610-p offlexible material 620 from FIGS. 6A-6C, the printed portion 710-p offlexible material 720 from FIGS. 7A-7C, or any alternative embodiment ofany of these, wherein the emitter 1660-e applies the moving 1663-m beam1663 of directed activation energy to selected portions of the flexiblematerial 1610-f, which has energy absorbing material disposed all overone side of the flexible material, but only the portions activated bythe beam 1663 self-fold to form folds 1666 in the flexible material1610-f; however, in various embodiments, such self-folding may formpart, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all,or nearly all, or all of some or all of the folds 1666.

FIG. 17A is a front view of a partially formed, filled flexible package1707-f, made of a flexible material that comprises a film 1710-f andincludes an unprinted portion 1707-u as well as a printed portion 1707-pand also comprises a bottom fold 1708 made by a contact process (such asmechanical folding), two side seals 1709 made by a contact process (suchas mechanical sealing), and a top closure 1706, wherein the flexiblepackage 1707-f moves 1707-m (using package handling equipment, notshown) proximate to a printer 1720-e, which prints energy absorbingmaterial 1720 (shown as phantom lines) onto outer portions of the film1710-f, such that the energy absorbing material 1720 is locally disposedon the front of the flexible package 1707-f in the printed portion1707-p, wherein the portions with the energy absorbing material 1720 areconfigured to at least contribute to self-folding when activation energyis subsequently applied (as described herein). FIG. 17B is a side viewof the flexible package 1707-f of FIG. 17A, which shows that theflexible material is filled but unfolded. In alternative embodiments ofFIGS. 17A-17B, energy absorbing material may additionally oralternatively be locally and/or globally disposed on both inner andouter portions of the flexible material, and/or between layers of theflexible material, and/or within one or more layers of the flexiblematerial (e.g. as an additive), and/or on both the front and the back ofthe flexible package, in any workable combination. In other alternativeembodiments of FIGS. 17A-17B, the flexible package may not include(separately added) energy absorbing material, but may be otherwiseconfigured (e.g. with adjacent layers of material having differingdegrees of energy absorption) to self fold when activation energy isapplied, as described herein.

FIG. 18A is a front view of an at least partially formed, filledflexible package 1807-f, which can be made from the printed portion210-p of the flexible material 210 from FIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion310-p of the flexible material 310 from FIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion410-p of the flexible material 410 from FIGS. 4A-4C, or made from anyother flexible material described herein, or which can be a filledversion of the flexible package 1107-e (configured according to theprinted portion 1107-p) from FIGS. 11A-11B, a filled version of theflexible package 1207-e from FIGS. 12A-12B (including a temporarilyinserted shield, not shown), a filled version of the flexible package1307-e from FIGS. 13A-13B (including an inserted shielding material, notshown), or a fully printed version of the filled flexible package 1707-ffrom FIGS. 17A-17B, or a filled version of any other flexible packagedescribed herein, or any alternative embodiment of any of these, whereinthe filled flexible package 1807-f is made of a flexible material thatcomprises a film 1810-f and has portions disposed with energy absorbingmaterial 1820 (shown as phantom lines), a printed but unactivatedportion 1810-p, and an activated portion 1810-a, and is filled with aplurality of products 1855 and also comprises a bottom fold 1808 made bya contact process (such as mechanical folding), two side seals 1809 madeby a contact process (such as mechanical sealing), and a top closure1806, wherein the filled flexible package 1807-f moves 1807-m (usingpackage handling equipment, not shown) proximate to an energy source1860-e, which applies a field 1861 of activation energy to the flexiblepackage 1807-f, such that at least portions of the flexible material1810-f absorb the activation energy, are heated by that energy, and bydifferential thermal behavior (e.g. expansion and/or contraction)self-fold to form folds 1866, which are self-folds, along the portionsdisposed with the energy absorbing material 1820; however, in variousembodiments, the self-folding may form part, parts, or about all, orapproximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of someor all of the folds 1866. FIG. 18B is a front view of the filledflexible package 1807-f of FIG. 18A, when the entire flexible package1807-f is fully formed and configured according to the activated portion1810-a of FIG. 18A, such that all of the self-folds 1866 have formed,and the products 1855 have settled to the bottom of the flexible package1807-f. FIG. 18C is a side view of the filled flexible package 1807-f ofFIG. 18B, which shows that the folds 1866 and the portions of theflexible material 1810-f adjacent to the folds 1866 protrude outward; inthe embodiment of FIG. 18C, the back of the flexible package 1807-f isconfigured in the same way as the front. In alternative embodiments ofFIGS. 18A-18C, one or more energy sources of any suitable kind can bedisposed on either or both sides of the flexible package, at anyconvenient distance and/or orientation, to transmit activation energy tothe flexible material(s).

FIG. 19A is a front view of an at least partially formed, filledflexible package 1907-f, which can be made from the printed portion210-p of the flexible material 210 from FIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion310-p of the flexible material 310 from FIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion410-p of the flexible material 410 from FIGS. 4A-4C, or made from anyother flexible material described herein, or which can be a filledversion of the flexible package 1107-e (configured according to theprinted portion 1107-p) from FIGS. 11A-11B, a filled version of theflexible package 1207-e from FIGS. 12A-12B (including a temporarilyinserted shield, not shown), a filled version of the flexible package1307-e from FIGS. 13A-13B (including an inserted shielding material, notshown), or a fully printed version of the filled flexible package 1707-ffrom

FIGS. 17A-17B (configured according to the printed portion 1707-p), or afilled version of any other flexible package described herein, or anyalternative embodiment of any of these, wherein the filled flexiblepackage 1907-f is made of a flexible material that comprises a film1910-f and has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 1920(shown as phantom lines), a printed but unactivated portion 1907-p, andan activated portion 1907-a, and is filled with a plurality of products1955 and also comprises a bottom fold 1908 made by a contact process(such as mechanical folding), two side seals 1909 made by a contactprocess (such as mechanical sealing), and a top closure 1906, whereinthe filled flexible package 1907-f moves 1907-m (using package handlingequipment, not shown) proximate to an energy source 1960-e, in the formof a plurality of emitters which together apply a field 1961 ofactivation energy to the flexible package 1907-f, such that at leastportions of the flexible material 1910-f absorb the activation energy,are heated by that energy, and by differential thermal behavior (e.g.expansion and/or contraction) self-fold to form folds 1966, which areself-folds, along the portions disposed with the energy absorbingmaterial 1920; however, in various embodiments, the self-folding mayform part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantiallyall, or nearly all, or all of some or all of the folds 1966. FIG. 19B isa front view of the filled flexible package 1907-f of FIG. 19A, when theentire flexible package 1907-f is fully formed and configured accordingto the activated portion 1910-a of FIG. 19A, such that all of theself-folds 1966 have formed, and the products 1955 have settled to thebottom of the flexible package 1907-f. FIG. 19C is a side view of thefilled flexible package 1907-f of FIG. 19B, which shows that the folds1966 and the portions of the flexible material 1910-f portions adjacentto the folds 1966 protrude outward; in the embodiment of FIG. 19C, theback of the flexible package 1907-f is configured in the same way as thefront. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 19A-19C, one or more energysources of any suitable kind can be disposed on either or both sides ofthe flexible package, at any convenient distance and/or orientation, totransmit activation energy to the flexible material(s).

FIG. 20A is a front view of an at least partially formed, filledflexible package 2007-f, which can be made from the printed portion210-p of the flexible material 210 from FIGS. 2A-2C, the printed portion310-p of the flexible material 310 from FIGS. 3A-3C, the printed portion410-p of the flexible material 410 from FIGS. 4A-4C, or made from anyother flexible material described herein, or which can be a filledversion of the flexible package 1107-e (configured according to theprinted portion 1107-p) from FIGS. 11A-11B, a filled version of theflexible package 1207-e from FIGS. 12A-12B (including a temporarilyinserted shield, not shown), a filled version of the flexible package1307-e from FIGS. 13A-13B (including an inserted shielding material, notshown), or a fully printed version of the filled flexible package 1707-ffrom FIGS. 17A-17B (configured according to the printed portion 1707-p),or a filled version of any other flexible package described herein, orany alternative embodiment of any of these, wherein the filled flexiblepackage 2007-f is made of a flexible material that comprises a film2010-f and has portions disposed with energy absorbing material 2020(shown as phantom lines), a printed but unactivated portion 2007-p, andan activated portion 2007-a, and is filled with a plurality of products2055 and also comprises a bottom fold 2008 made by a contact process(such as mechanical folding), two side seals 2009 made by a contactprocess (such as mechanical sealing), and a top closure 2006, whereinthe filled flexible package 2007-f moves 2007-m (using package handlingequipment, not shown) proximate to an energy source 2060-e, in the formof an emitter which applies a moving 2063-m beam 2063 of directedactivation energy to selected portions of the flexible material 2010-f,such that at least portions of the flexible material 2010-f absorb theactivation energy, are heated by that energy, and by differentialthermal behavior (e.g. expansion and/or contraction) self-fold to formfolds 2066, which are self-folds, along the portions disposed with theenergy absorbing material 2020; however, in various embodiments, theself-folding may form part, parts, or about all, or approximately all,or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of some or all of the folds2066. FIG. 20B is a front view of the filled flexible package 2007-f ofFIG. 20A, when the entire flexible package 2007-f is fully formed andconfigured according to the activated portion 2010-a of FIG. 20A, suchthat all of the self-folds 2066 have formed, and the products 2055 havesettled to the bottom of the flexible package 2007-f. FIG. 20C is a sideview of the filled flexible package 2007-f of FIG. 20B, which shows thatthe folds 2066 and the portions of the flexible material 2010-f portionsadjacent to the folds 2066 protrude outward; in the embodiment of FIG.20C, the back of the flexible package 2007-f is configured in the sameway as the front. In alternative embodiments of FIGS. 20A-20C, one ormore energy sources of any suitable kind can be disposed on either orboth sides of the flexible package, at any convenient distance and/ororientation, to transmit activation energy to the flexible material(s).

FIG. 21A is a front view of a fully formed flexible package 2107, whichcan be a flexible package formed by the process 100, according to anyembodiments disclosed herein, including any alternative embodiments. Theflexible package 2107 includes a bottom fold 2108 made by a contactprocess (such as mechanical folding), two side seals 2109 made by acontact process (such as mechanical sealing), and a top closure 2106, aswell as folds 2166, which are self-folds, which can be configuredaccording to any of the self-folds described herein. FIG. 21B is apartial cross-sectional view of part of a front of the flexible package2107 of FIG. 21A, including self-fold 2166, which separates a firstpanel 2110-1 of flexible material from a second panel of flexiblematerial 2110-2. Each of the panels 2110-1 and 2110-2 is about flat,however, in various embodiments, part, parts, or all either or bothpanels can be about flat, substantially flat, approximately flat, nearlyflat, or completely flat. As an example, the part or parts of any panelthat are adjacent to a self-fold may be about flat, substantially,approximately flat, nearly flat, or completely flat, while part or partsof the panel that are not adjacent to the self-fold may be less flat ornot flat at all. The first panel 2110-1 and the second panel 2110-2 aredisposed at an angle, α, with respect to each other, at the self-fold2166. The angle α can be 110-170 degrees, or any integer value fordegrees between 110 and 170, or any range formed by any of these values,such as 110-160 degrees, 120-150 degrees, etc. Any of the self-foldsdescribed herein can be configured with any such angles.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “about” modifies a particular value, byreferring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus twentypercent (+/−20%). The term “about” can also be used to modify aparticular condition, by referring to a range of conditions that arewithin twenty percent (+/−20%) of the particular condition. For any ofthe embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, any disclosureof a particular value or condition is also intended to be a disclosureof various alternative embodiments of that flexible container, with thevalue or condition being variable within the range of about (i.e. within20%).

As used herein, the term “approximately” modifies a particular value, byreferring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minusfifteen percent (+/−15%). The term “approximately” can also be used tomodify a particular condition, by referring to a range of conditionsthat are within fifteen percent (+/−15%) of the particular condition.For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, anydisclosure of a particular value or condition is also intended to be adisclosure of various alternative embodiments of that flexiblecontainer, with the value or condition being variable within the rangeof approximately (i.e. within 15%).

As used herein, the term “directly connected” refers to a configurationwherein elements are attached to each other without any intermediateelements therebetween, except for any means of attachment (e.g.adhesive).

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term“disposable” refers to a package which, after dispensing a product to anend user, is not configured to be refilled with an additional amount ofthe product, but is configured to be disposed of (i.e. as waste,compost, and/or recyclable material(s)). Part, parts, or all of any ofthe embodiments of flexible packages, disclosed herein, can beconfigured to be disposable.

As used herein, the term “energy absorbing material” refers to materialconfigured to absorb activation energy and be heated by that energy, inorder to induce self-folding in a flexible material. Some examples ofenergy absorbing materials, which can be added into plastic films, andare known in the art, include: “natural silicates . . . , silica,calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, aluminum hydrate, and metallichydroxysulphates . . . boron-oxygen compounds . . . boric acid, alkalineand alkaline earth borates, aluminum borate, zinc borate, and andhydrousborax” as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,381 (col. 1, lines 42-44;col. 3, lines 1-3) to Tapia, et al. entitled “Polymeric CoveringMaterials for Growing Plants or Crops.” Other energy absorbing additivescommonly included in plastic films, to provide various functions, canalso act as energy-receptive additives, such as: “fillers, colourants,release agents, UV retardants, flame retardants, etc.” as disclosed onpage 1622 of the Handbook of Laser Technology an Applications; VolumeIII Applications, by Colin Webb and Julian Jones (Institute of PhysicsPublishing, 2004).

As used herein, the term “flexible package” refers to a package wherein50-100% of the overall mass of the package (apart from any product(s))is made from one or more flexible materials. Any of the packagesdisclosed herein can be a flexible package, wherein flexible material(s)form 50-100% of the overall mass of the package, or form any integerpercentage between 50 and 100% of the overall mass, or form any rangeformed by any of these values, such as 60-100%, 70-100%, 80-100%,90-100%, 95-100%, 50-95%, 50-90%, 50-80%, 50-70%, 50-60%, 60-95%,70-90%, etc.

As used herein, the term “flexible material” refers to a thin, easilydeformable, sheet-like material, having a flexibility factor within therange of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m. As examples, a flexible material may havea flexibility factor of 1,000-1,250,500 N/m, 1,000-750,700 N/m,1,000-500,800 N/m, 1,000-250,900 N/m, 1,000-63,475 N/m, 1,000-25,990N/m, 1,000-13,495 N/m, 13,495-1,250,500 N/m, 25,990-750,700 N/m,63,475-500,800 N/m, 125,950-250-900 N/m, 13,495-2,500,000 N/m,12,990-2,500,000 N/m, 63,475-2,500,000 N/m, 125,950-2,500,000 N/m,250,900-2,500,000 N/m, 500,800-2,500,000 N/m, 750,700-2,500,000 N/m,1,250,500-2,500,000 N/m, etc. Examples of materials that can be flexiblematerials include one or more of any of the following: films (such asplastic films), elastomers, foamed sheets, foils, fabrics (includingwovens and nonwovens), biosourced materials, and papers, in anyconfiguration, as separate material(s), or as layer(s) of a laminate(e.g. a multi-layered extruded film laminate), or as part(s) of acomposite material, or in a microlayered or nanolayered structure, orwith or without one or more of any suitable additives (such as perfumes,dyes, pigments, particles, agents, actives, fillers (e.g. fibers,reinforcing structures), etc.) and in any combination, as describedherein or as known in the art.

A flexible material can be provided in the form of discrete sheets orcontinuous webs. When a discrete sheet of flexible material is used inthe making process, the sheet can be sized for converting into one ormore parts of a package blank, for converting into a single packageblank, or for converting into multiple package blanks. When a continuousweb of flexible material is used in the making process, any number ofwebs can be joined together in a single web and/or separated intodifferent webs to provide flexible materials of appropriate size andproperties. When a continuous web of flexible material is used in themaking process, the web can be sized for converting into any number ofpackage blanks in any orientation. In various embodiments, part or partsof a flexible material can also be provided in the form of smallsections (i.e. patches), which can be attached to sheets and/or webs inany way known in the art (e.g. by a servo-driven patch placer).

The flexible materials used to make the flexible packages disclosedherein can be formed in any manner known in the art (e.g. films can beextruded or cast), and can be joined together using any kind of joiningor sealing method known in the art, including, for example, heat sealing(e.g. conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.),welding, crimping, bonding, adhering, and the like, and combinations ofany of these.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible package, the term“flexibility factor” refers to a material parameter for a thin, easilydeformable, sheet-like material, wherein the parameter is measured inNewtons per meter, and the flexibility factor is equal to the product ofthe value for the Young's modulus of the material (measured in Pascals)and the value for the overall thickness of the material (measured inmeters).

As used herein, the term “graphic” refers to a visual representation ofan element intended to provide a decoration or to communicateinformation. Examples of graphics include one or more of any of thefollowing: colors, patterns, designs, images (e.g. photographs,drawings, or other renderings), characters, branding, and the like. Forany embodiment disclosed herein (including any alternative embodiments),any surface of a flexible package, can include one or more graphics ofany size, shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art,in any combination.

As used herein, the term “indirectly connected” refers to aconfiguration wherein elements are attached to each other with one ormore intermediate elements therebetween.

As used herein, the term “joined” refers to a configuration whereinelements are either directly connected or indirectly connected.

As used herein, the term “like-numbered” refers to similar alphanumericlabels for corresponding elements, as described below. Like-numberedelements have labels with the same last two digits; for example, oneelement with a label ending in the digits 20 and another element with alabel ending in the digits 20 are like-numbered. Like-numbered elementscan have labels with a differing first digit, wherein that first digitmatches the number for its figure; as an example, an element of FIG. 3labeled 320 and an element of FIG. 4A labeled 420 are like-numbered.Like-numbered elements can have labels with a suffix (i.e. the portionof the label following the dash symbol) that is the same or possiblydifferent (e.g. corresponding with a particular embodiment); forexample, a first embodiment of an element in FIG. 3A labeled 320-a and asecond embodiment of an element in FIG. 3B labeled 320-b, are likenumbered.

As used herein, the term “nearly” modifies a particular value, byreferring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus fivepercent (+/−5%). The term “nearly” can also be used to modify aparticular condition, by referring to a range of conditions that arewithin five percent (+/−5%) of the particular condition. For any of theembodiments of flexible packages, disclosed herein, any disclosure of aparticular value or condition is also intended to be a disclosure ofvarious alternative embodiments of that flexible package, with the valueor condition being variable within the range of nearly (i.e. within 5%).

As used herein, the term “package” refers to any kind of packageconfigured to enclose or contain any number or amount of any kind ofproduct. Any of the packages described herein, may be used in variousindustries for a variety of products, including consumer products. Forexample, any embodiment of a package, as described herein may be usedfor any of the following products, any of which can take any productform described herein or known in the art: baby care products; beautyand grooming products; oral care products; health care products; fabriccare products; dish care products; cleaning and/or deodorizing productsfor home, commercial, and/or industrial use; and the like.

In various embodiments, part, parts, or all of a container may be madefrom one or more flexible materials. A container can enclose any numberor amount of any kind of product, including any consumer productdisclosed herein or known in the art. A container can be configured inany way known in the art and can take various forms, such as

As used herein, when referring to a flexible material, the term “overallthickness” refers to a linear dimension measured perpendicular to theouter major surfaces of the sheet, when the sheet is lying flat. Invarious embodiments, any of the flexible materials disclosed herein canbe configured to have an overall thickness 1-500 micrometers (μm), orany integer value for micrometers from 1-500, or within any range formedby any of these values, such as 10-500 μm, 20-400 μm, 30-300 μm, 40-200μm, 50-100 μm, or 50-150 μm, etc.

As used herein, the term “substantially” modifies a particular value, byreferring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus tenpercent (+/−10%). The term “substantially” can also be used to modify aparticular condition, by referring to a range of conditions that arewithin ten percent (+/−10%) of the particular condition. For any of theembodiments of flexible packages, disclosed herein, any disclosure of aparticular value or condition is also intended to be a disclosure ofvarious alternative embodiments of that flexible package, with the valueor condition being variable within the range of substantially (i.e.within 10%).

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or patent publication, is hereby incorporated herein by referencein its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. Thecitation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art withrespect to any document disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, orin any combination with any other reference or references, teaches,suggests or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent thatany meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with anymeaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated byreference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in thisdocument shall govern.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,it should be understood that various other changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimedsubject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not beutilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appendedclaims cover all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A package comprising: a flexible materialcomprising a polymeric film, wherein the polymeric film is formed fromone layer of polymer, wherein the polymer is a single type of polymer,and wherein the flexible material defines an enclosed product volume; afirst panel formed from the flexible material, wherein at least aportion of the first panel is adjacent to a self-fold in the flexiblematerial, and wherein the portion of the first panel adjacent to theself-fold is about flat; and a second panel formed from the flexiblematerial, wherein at least a portion of the second panel is adjacent tothe self-fold in the flexible material, and wherein the portion of thesecond panel adjacent to the self-fold is about flat; wherein theself-fold has an overall thickness that is about 5% to about 30% greaterthan a thickness of the flexible material outside of the self-fold;wherein the self-fold has a differential thermal-mechanical set than theflexible material outside of the self-fold; and wherein the self-foldforms an angle of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees between thefirst panel and the second panel.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein theangle faces away from the product volume.
 3. The package of claim 1,wherein the self-fold has a degree of prestrain that is about 30% toabout 100% less than a degree of prestrain in the flexible materialoutside of the self-fold.
 4. The package of claim 1, wherein the angleis about 110 degrees to about 160 degrees between the first panel andthe second panel.
 5. The package of claim 1 comprising: an energyabsorbing material locally disposed at the self-fold; wherein theflexible material has a first degree of energy absorption for aparticular activation energy; and wherein the energy absorbing materialhas a second degree of energy absorption for the particular activationenergy; and wherein the second degree of energy absorption is greaterthan the first degree of energy absorption.
 6. The package of claim 5,wherein the particular activation energy is laser energy having awavelength of 150 nanometers to 1 millimeter.
 7. The package of claim 5,wherein the particular activation energy is microwave energy having awavelength of 1 millimeter to 1 meter.
 8. The package of claim 1comprising: an energy absorbing material globally disposed on theflexible material; wherein the flexible material has a first degree ofenergy absorption for a particular activation energy; wherein the energyabsorbing material has a second degree of energy absorption for theparticular activation energy; and wherein the second degree of energyabsorption is greater than the first degree of energy absorption.
 9. Thepackage of claim 8, wherein the particular activation energy is laserenergy having a wavelength of 150 nanometers to 1 millimeter.
 10. Thepackage of claim 8, wherein the particular activation energy ismicrowave energy having a wavelength of 1 millimeter to 1 meter.
 11. Thepackage of claim 1, wherein the polymer is polyethylene.
 12. The packageof claim 1, wherein the polymer is polyethylene terephthalate.
 13. Thepackage of claim 1, comprising a shielding material locally applied tothe flexible material, wherein the shielding material is disposed on aside of the flexible material opposite the angle.
 14. The package ofclaim 13, wherein the shielding material comprises a metallizationlayer.
 15. A package comprising: a flexible material comprising apolymeric film, wherein the polymeric film is formed from one layer ofpolymer, wherein the polymer is a single type of polymer, and whereinthe flexible material defines an enclosed product volume; a first panelformed from the flexible material, wherein at least a portion of thefirst panel is adjacent to a self-fold in the flexible material, andwherein the portion of the first panel adjacent to the self-fold isabout flat; and a second panel formed from the flexible material,wherein at least a portion of the second panel is adjacent to theself-fold in the flexible material, and wherein the portion of thesecond panel adjacent to the self-fold is about flat; wherein theself-fold has an overall thickness that is about 5% to about 30% greaterthan a thickness of the flexible material outside of the self-fold;wherein the self-fold has a differential thermal-mechanical set than theflexible material outside of the self-fold; wherein the self-fold formsan angle of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees between the firstpanel and the second panel; and wherein the angle faces toward theproduct volume.
 16. The package of claim 15, comprising a shieldingmaterial locally applied to the flexible material, wherein the shieldingmaterial is disposed on a side of the flexible material opposite theangle.
 17. The package of claim 15, wherein the polymer is polyethylene.18. The package of claim 15, wherein the polymer is polyethyleneterephthalate.
 19. A package comprising: a flexible material comprisinga polymeric film, wherein the polymeric film is formed from one type ofpolymer, and wherein the flexible material defines an enclosed productvolume; a first panel formed from the flexible material, wherein atleast a part of the first panel is adjacent to a self-fold in theflexible material, and wherein the part of the first panel adjacent tothe self-fold is about flat; a second panel formed from the flexiblematerial, wherein at least a part of the second panel is adjacent to theself-fold in the flexible material, and wherein the part of the secondpanel adjacent to the self-fold is about flat; and wherein the self-foldhas a different thermal-mechanical set than the flexible materialoutside of the self-fold; and wherein the self-fold forms an angle ofabout 100 degrees to about 170 degrees between the first panel and thesecond panel.
 20. The package of claim 19, wherein a vertex of the angleis disposed inboard of the first panel and the second panel relative tothe product volume.